Furnace Repair Cost
Gas Furnace Repair Pricing from certified HVAC Technicians
When the furnace quits on a cold day, many homeowners worry about the unknown repair cost or getting pressured into replacing the furnace when they just want it fixed. At Watkins Heating & Cooling, we prioritize superior quality service with upfront pricing and quick turnaround – especially for emergency furnace repairs.
Our certified technicians will pinpoint the problem, give you a clear upfront quote, and get your heating system running smoothly again. Whether it’s a quick part swap or a bigger furnace job, we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down average furnace repair costs for common issues, plus a few DIY troubleshooting tips for homeowners.
Fixing Your Furnace Starts With a Diagnosis
You're probably here wondering, “How much will it cost to fix my furnace?” Obviously, furnace repair cost depends on what's broken. That's why getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to pinpoint the problem. Would you want a surgeon to operate without first knowing the issue?
At Watkins Heating & Cooling, our furnace repair process always starts with a thorough diagnostic by a NATE-certified heating technician. For a flat $99 diagnostic fee, we send out an expert to do a deep dive into your furnace system. Our diagnostic fee includes travel and as much time as needed to identify the issue. After your technician pinpoints the problem, they'll explain all your options. Of course, there's no obligation to proceed with any repair after our diagnosis, but we’re always here to help if you do decide to move forward.
It’s important to note that many HVAC companies advertise low diagnostics, like $59 or even free diagnostics with repairs, but this always comes with inflated repair costs and sales pressure. At Watkins, we don’t believe in hidden fees or high-pressure sales tactics. Our goal is to provide transparent furnace repair pricing and earn lifelong customers.
How Much Should Furnace Repair Cost?
Furnace repairs can range from $100 for minor fixes to $2,500 for major components like heat exchangers. Below, we break down typical prices for the most common furnace repairs.
These furnace repair costs include labor and reflect average prices in the Dayton and Cincinnati area. Factors like furnace type, part availability, and repair complexity can affect the final price, but we’ll always provide a clear quote before starting any work.
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Furnace Capacitor: $120 to $300
Stores energy to start and run the blower motor. If it fails, the motor may struggle or not start at all. Capacitor replacement is a quick, low-cost fix.
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Hot Surface Ignitor: $140 to $275
Lights the burners to start heating. A broken ignitor means no heat. Hot surface ignitor replacement is common, fast, and affordable.
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Flame Sensor: $150 to $350
Tells the board that the flame is lit and it's safe to keep the gas valve open. With a faulty flame sensor, the furnace will light, but shut down after three seconds. Cleaning the flame rod is a temporary fix that only lasts a few months.
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Thermostat Replacement: $100 to $900
Regulates temperature and tells the furnace when to turn on. Thermostats are very reliable and are rarely the cause of a no heat. Pricing varies widely between basic models and Smart thermostats.
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Gas Valve: $350 to $650
Controls fuel flow to the burners. A gas valve is not repairable and must be replaced. Gas valve cost varies by model but are generally a mid-range repair.
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Blower Motor: $380 to $800
Pushes across the heat exchanger and through your ductwork. A failing motor will trip the high temperature safety and turn the furnace off. Standard blower motor replacement is mid-range, while ECM models can be expensive.
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Furnace Control Board: $250 to $900
Manages all furnace operations and monitors safety switches. If faulty, it can cause short cycling, intermitten operature, or no heat. Circuit board replacement pricing varies widely with the complexity of your gas furnace.
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Draft Inducer Motor: $400 to $1000
Known by techs as an inducer, these small fans pull combustion gases through the heat exchanger and deliver them to the chimney or vent pipe. Pressure switches detect if the inducer does not produce the required vacuum and will safely shut the furnace down. Draft inducer motor repair is a mid-range to major repair and we stock the most common motors.
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Heat Exchanger: $1,300 to $2,600
Transfers heat from combustion gases to your air. A crack can leak carbon monoxide and requires full heat exchanger replacement, making it one of the most serious and expensive furnace repairs. Be Alert: Some companies use a cracked heat exchanger as a tactic to upsell new furnaces.
If your furnace is old and has frequent issues, a new furnace may be smarter than a repair, but that's your call. Our team can help you weigh the costs and find the best solution for your home.
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Potential Quick DIY Fixes for Minor Furnace Issues
While professional repair is often necessary for complex furnace issues, there are a few minor troubleshooting steps homeowners can try themselves before calling in an expert. These simple fixes might solve the problem or at least narrow down the potential cause:
- Check the Thermostat: Sometimes, thermostat settings can be accidentally adjusted. Ensure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. Some stats require batteries that are easy for a homeowner to replace.
- Replace the Air Filter: Clogged filters reduce airflow, leading to reduced efficiency and overheating. Regularly changing your air filter can improve your furnace’s performance and prevent common issues like poor air circulation or frequent cycling.
- Reset the Power: If your furnace isn’t turning on, try switching the breaker for the furnace off and on. This can reset the system and may resolve minor electrical issues.
- Open register vents: It's common to close heat registers to control temperature balance from throughout your home. However, this may choke airflow causing your furnace to overheat and shut down.
These DIY checks are great first steps, but for more complex problems, calling a certified gas furnace technician is the safest and most effective solution.
24/7 Emergency Furnace Repair
- Expanded Service Hours: Regular hours are 8 AM – 7 PM, Monday through Friday. If you call after hours, you can trust we have a technician available day or night, weekends and holidays included.
- Standard Diagnostic Fee: A flat $99 covers the time and expertise needed to accurately diagnose your furnace issue and provide upfront repair options.
- Afterhours Rate: Just an additional $40 for afterhours Mon–Sat, or $80 on Sundays & holidays.
Trustworthy Furnace Repair Services in the Miami Valley
With over 30 years of experience, Watkins Heating & Cooling is the trusted choice for furnace repair in Dayton, Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. We’re proud to offer honest, reliable service from a family-owned company dedicated to our customers. We believe in a no-gimmicks approach to furnace repair. Here’s what makes our repair process different:
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Two-Year Repair Warranty: We stand behind all of our furnace repairs with a two-years parts and labor warranty. Our focus on training and high quality replacement parts means that your furnace is one less thing to worry about.
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No-Pressure Recommendations: Our only job is to explain your options in straightforward terms without pressuring you to spend more than necessary. Our expert diagnosis and honest quote come with no strings attached. After our $99 diagnostic, you’re free to choose us for the repair, compare other quotes, or decide at your own pace. Only you know what's best for your home and budget.
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Same-Day Heating Service: When your heat quits on a cold winter day, you need someone who can respond quickly. With our fleet of well-stocked trucks and highly trained service techs, we guarantee 24 hour response time or the diagnostic fee is on us.